You’re on the verge of investing in cryptocurrency, but there’s a catch – you realize many individuals incur losses in this market because they enter without understanding what they’re purchasing or the purpose of it all. However, these six documentaries will clarify exactly how cryptocurrency functions, who is profiting, who is facing incarceration, and what blunders to steer clear of.

## 1) Start with “Inside Job” to Grasp the Origin of Bitcoin from 2008

Before you venture into any cryptocurrency investment, watching “Inside Job” is essential. Although this Oscar-winning film from 2010 doesn’t make a single mention of Bitcoin, it covers everything necessary. Director Charles Ferguson details how Wall Street caused the global economic downturn in 2008, resulting in a $20 trillion loss and wreaking havoc on millions of lives. Banks made risky gambles with intricate derivatives, rating agencies misjudged risk, and when the situation collapsed, executives walked away with vast sums while everyday people lost their homes.

The documentary features interviews with giants like George Soros, Nouriel Roubini, and others who anticipated the crisis – it’s revealing to see economic advisors uncomfortable when Ferguson inquires about their Wall Street salaries. This context is crucial, as Satoshi Nakamoto created Bitcoin immediately after the Lehman Brothers’ collapse – specifically to circumvent these corrupt systems. Thus, once you understand how traditional finance operates, Bitcoin begins to click.

## 2) “The Rise and Rise of Bitcoin” Chronicles the Turbulent Beginnings

In 2014, this documentary showcases Daniel Mross, a programmer who mined Bitcoin when it was merely a few cents. What adds value is that Mross documented Bitcoin during its most chaotic phases. You’ll encounter Gavin Andresen, one of the rare individuals who communicated with Satoshi Nakamoto – and see Charlie Shrem before his arrest. The Winklevoss twins discuss their billion-dollar gamble on digital currency.

Brian Armstrong is featured as he establishes Coinbase in a small office. The film captures Bitcoin evolving from an eccentric experiment to a serious financial entity recognized by governments. You experience the unfolding of the Mt. Gox disaster, regulatory skirmishes, and early adopters coming to terms with the fact that they might actually be reshaping the world.

## 3) “Cryptopia” Questions If Blockchain Can Truly Perform (Spoiler: It’s Complex)

Torsten Hoffmann’s 2020 documentary delves deeper into Bitcoin to analyze the broader blockchain landscape. He interviews Vitalik Buterin regarding Ethereum, investigates DeFi before it gained traction, and poses challenging questions about whether we’re merely replicating Wall Street with added steps.

The film, which took two years to produce, includes exclusive footage from Switzerland’s clandestine “Bitcoin Bunker.” Yet, Hoffmann isn’t shy about presenting the harsh realities – he reveals the scams, substantial harm, and regulatory challenges alongside the innovation. At 86 minutes in length, it progresses rapidly, touching on everything from smart contracts to NFTs, as well as why purchasing Dogecoin might not be wise.

## 4) “Trust No One” and “Bitconned” Illustrate the Mechanics of Crypto Scams

These two documentaries can save you considerable amounts of money – “Trust No One” investigates QuadrigaCX founder Gerald Cotten, who allegedly died in India with the only access to $250 million in customer assets – yet investors remain convinced he faked his demise. The film precisely illustrates how cryptocurrency exchanges can misappropriate your funds and why “not your keys, not your coins” holds significant importance.

“Bitconned,” available on Netflix, unveils the Centra Tech case, whose founders secured $32 million by falsely claiming ties with Visa and Mastercard. Ray Trapani, one of the con artists, opens by stating, “Ever since I was a kid, I always wanted to be a criminal.” Unfortunately, similar scams occur weekly in the cryptocurrency realm, so these films are essential for spotting red flags to avoid becoming a victim.

## 5) “God Bless Bitcoin” Presents the Ethical Argument for Cryptocurrency

This 2024 documentary adopts an unconventional yet intriguing approach – examining Bitcoin through religious and moral lenses. Directors Brian and Kelly Estes argue that our existing monetary system funds conflicts and undermines the middle class through inflation. Thus, they interview figures like Mark Cuban, Cathie Wood, and religious leaders who perceive Bitcoin as a more virtuous form of currency.

Though heavily leaning towards Bitcoin, it raises pertinent issues about how money printing disproportionately impacts the impoverished and how Bitcoin might contribute to a more harmonious economy.

The actor from “The O.C.”, who holds a degree in economics, spent three years producing this 2025 documentary. McKenzie interviewed Sam Bankman-Fried months prior to his arrest and Celsius CEO Alex Mashinsky ahead of his $25 billion downfall. He captures genuine victims mourning the loss of their life savings.

The film concludes with McKenzie testifying before Congress, branding crypto as “the biggest Ponzi scheme in history.” He may err, but his conversations with fraudsters and their victims illustrate precisely how intelligent individuals can lose everything in cryptocurrency. Best of luck.